One Thing Is Needed

“ONE THING IS NEEDED” (Outline)

February 12, 2023 – Epiphany 6 – LUKE 10:38-42

INTRO: “ONE THING IS NEEDED”. The Bible has examples of those who knew the importance of holding fast to God’s Word. Mary, mother of Jesus, gave birth to her son. Shepherds come to see the Savior. They spoke with Mary. Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. Following worship at the temple in Jerusalem. Mary, again, treasured God’s words and pondered them in her heart. Paul praised the Bereans for searching out the one thing needed. “Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians. They received the word very eagerly and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these things were so” (ACTS 17:11). To search the Scriptures meant going to temple. Waiting for the scrolls to be brought out. Rolled open. Read. Took extra effort compared to us today. “ONE THING IS NEEDED”. I. There are so many distractions. II. There is only one real Attraction.

I. WE FACE SO MANY DISTRACTIONS.

A. Verse 38. Martha invited Jesus and his disciples into her home. Act of Christian love, generosity.

1. This invitation was an act of faith on the part of Martha.

2. Only faith would show itself in action: Love of God. Generous spirit.

B. Verse 40. “Martha was distracted with all her serving.” This was a large crowd. At least 13 men.

1. She challenged Jesus: “Don’t you care…” Martha was at the end of her rope.

2. Mary was not helping with anything. First a challenge then an order: “Tell her to help me.”

3. A woman confronting a man was not considered acceptable social behavior.

C. Verse 41. Jesus politely reminded Martha that she is “worried and upset about many things.”

1. Worry was an inner emotion. What to do no next? How will I be able to do everything?

2. Upset was an outward action. Questioned Jesus’ care. Ordered Jesus to act.

D. Jesus did not scold Martha. We ought not to think any less of her either. For the moment for her there were too many distractions to remember the one thing needed. We have just as many, if not more. distractions in our lives today. Our world promotes worry. Our world lashes out with anger rather than listening. All too easily worry and anger sneaks into our lives. Our words. Our actions. And there are still more distractions. “Still others are sown among the thorns. These are the ones who hear the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth and desires for other things enter in and choke the word, so it becomes unfruitful” (MARK 4:18, 19). Have we or are we worried about our lives? The deceitfulness of wealth adds to our worrying. When or do have enough money for…? Of course, how often our sinful nature desires the things of this world! All these things choke the word. So many distractions.

E. How true when the Lord reminds that godliness with contentment is great gain. Contentment in this life is a fruit of faith. Only godliness, faithfulness diverts the distractions that infiltrate our lives. Our very souls. Let the world chase after wealth. Possessions. Honor. Glory. Fame. “After all, what will it benefit a person if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his soul? Or what can a person give in exchange for his soul?” (MATTHEW 16:26). Nothing in this life or in this world can be exchanged for our souls. In the midst of so many distractions we know the Truth. Contentment God’s gift to us children of God.

F. How do we overcome the distractions of our sinful nature? We are not left to do this on our own. The Lord Jesus reminds that really only one thing is needed. We seek the Lord. Discover his answers. Provided his strength. Power to overcome. We pray to our loving, heavenly Father. Any time. Any place. Always. “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you” (1 PETER 5:7). The Lord CARES for us. Far more than our earthly families. God’s loving care for us is perfectly perfect always.

“ONE THING IS NEEDED”. We face many distractions. So many distractions.

II. WE HAVE ONLY ONE REAL ATTRACTION.

A. Jesus and his disciples were enjoying a special time together. Were together in a private setting.

1. Verse 39. Mary and Martha sisters. Had a brother Lazarus. Close friends with Jesus.

2. Martha was distracted by many things. Mary sat on the floor. Listened to words of Jesus.

B. Verse 41, 42a. “Martha, Martha you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is needed.”

1. Jesus calmed Martha. Reminded her to think about the one thing needed.

2. The serving, the food, the guests were all distractions. Jesus was the only, real attraction.